Portable station

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a portable station has an open enclosure and a chest having first and second cases pivotally coupled to each other. When the portable station is in a first configuration, the chest is closed and is selectively fastened at a first location within the enclosure. When the portable station is in a second configuration, the chest is open and selectively fastened at a second location within the enclosure. When the chest is open, the first and second cases have been pivoted apart.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to stations, such as displaystations or workstations, and, in particular, in one or moreembodiments, the present disclosure relates to portable stations.

BACKGROUND

Portable chests are sometimes used to transport items from one locationto another. For example, a portable chest, such as a portable toolchest, may be used to transport tools to a jobsite. However, the toolscan be hard to locate within some portable tool chests and can becomedisorganized at the jobsite.

Sometimes portable chests are used to transport items to a location fordisplay, e.g., on tables. However, items can be difficult to organize ontables and can be difficult to view on tables, e.g., especially whenthere is a large number of items and/or when there are different typesof items.

SUMMARY

An embodiment herein provides a portable station with an open enclosureand a chest having first and second cases pivotally coupled to eachother. When the portable station is in a first configuration, the chestis closed and is selectively fastened at a first location within theenclosure. When the portable station is in a second configuration, thechest is open and selectively fastened at a second location within theenclosure. When the chest is open, the first and second cases have beenpivoted apart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, illustrates a portable station in a portable, closedconfiguration, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable station at a stage of being converted fromone configuration to another, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portable station at another stage of beingconverted from one configuration to another, according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portable station in an open configuration,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5, illustrates containers in a case of a portable station,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of a portion of a case of a portable station,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a transfer system of a portable station, according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section viewed along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an inverter of a transfer system of a portablestation, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a light boom of a portable station, according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective right side view of the portable station in FIG.2 with a portion of a sidewall removed, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a stabilizer assembly with the stabilizersretracted, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a stabilizer assembly with the stabilizers extended,according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, byway of illustration, specific embodiments. In the drawings, likenumerals describe substantially similar components throughout theseveral views. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural and/orelectrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore,not to be taken in a limiting sense.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a portable station 100, such as a portableworkstation or a portable display station, according to an embodiment.FIGS. 1-4 sequentially show portable station 100 at various stages ofbeing converted (e.g., opening), such as by unfolding, from a portable,closed configuration in FIG. 1 to an open configuration (e.g., that maybe called a station configuration) in FIG. 4. Conversely, FIGS. 4-1sequentially show portable station 100 at various stages of beingconverted (e.g., closing), such as by folding, from the openconfiguration in FIG. 4 to the closed, portable configuration in FIG. 1.

Portable station 100 may include an open enclosure (e.g., housing) 102having an opening 104 in its top. A closed chest 105 may be located atan elevation within enclosure 102 when portable station 100 is in theportable configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, a portion ofclosed chest 105 may be contained within enclosure 102, while anotherportion may extend though opening 104 above the top of enclosure 102.Enclosure 102 may act a support base, e.g., that acts to preventportable station 100 from falling over or being easily knocked over whenportable station 100 is in the open configuration of FIG. 4. For someembodiments, enclosure 102 and the exterior of chest 105 may be formedfrom a hard, non-compliant material, such as metal, e.g., aluminum,steel, etc., hard plastic, wood, or the like.

FIG. 2 shows closed chest 105 after it has been moved (e.g., bypulling), e.g., using a handle 110 attached to chest 105, to anotherelevation within enclosure 102 that enables chest 105 to be opened(e.g., expanded). Handle 110 may also be used to lift portable station100 for transporting portable station 100 when portable station 100 inthe portable configuration in FIG. 1.

A handle 112 (e.g., a tab of flexible material, such as fabric, nylonweb, leather, etc.) may be attached to chest 105, as shown in FIG. 2,for opening chest 105. Making handle 112 out of a flexible materialenables handle 112 to be folded substantially flat against chest 105when chest 105 is located at the elevation within enclosure 102corresponding to the portable configuration of station 100, as shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, a handle, e.g., similar to handle 110, may berecessed below the exterior surface of chest 105, e.g., at substantiallythe location as shown for handle 112 in FIG. 2, so as not to obstructthe movement of chest 105 relative to enclosure 102.

Pulling on handle 112 acts to separate a case 106 ₁, e.g., an open case,of chest 105 from a case 106 ₂, e.g., an open case, of chest 105,thereby opening chest 105. For example, for some embodiments, case 106 ₁may be pivotally attached case 106 ₂, e.g., by a hinge 114 (FIG. 4), andpulling on handle 112 causes case 106 ₁ to pivot (e.g., about a pivotaxis 115 (FIG. 4)) relative to case 106 ₂ in a direction so that a frontof case 106 ₁ moves away from a front of case 106 ₂, as shown in FIG. 3.

Continued pivoting of case 106 ₁ relative to case 106 ₂ causes a surface116 ₁ of case 106 ₁ that was upward facing when chest 105 was closed, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to become inverted (FIG. 3). Surface 116 ₁ ofcase 106 ₁ faces downward toward an upward-facing surface 116 ₂ (FIGS.1-3) of case 106 ₂ and may contact upward-facing surface 116 ₂ whenstation 100 is in the open configuration of FIG. 4. That is, whensurface 116 ₁ of case 106 ₁ contacts upward-facing surface 116 ₂upward-facing surface 116 ₂ prevents case 106 ₁ from being pivotedfurther in the direction that moves the front of case 106 ₁ moves awayfrom the front of case 106 ₂. Note that upward-facing surfaces 116 ₁ and116 ₂ form portions of an upper surface of the closed chest 105, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Case 106 ₂ may include a compartment 120 that is exposed when station100 is in the open configuration, as shown in FIG. 4. For example,compartment 120 is open compartment when station 100 is in the openconfiguration. Compartment 120 may be configured to contain tools oritems for display. In some embodiments, a pegboard 122 may be locatedwithin compartment 120 for receiving hooks or the like that can be usedto hang the tools or items for display therefrom.

A pair of cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ may be pivotally attached to case 106 ₁,as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, so that they can respectively pivot aboutsubstantially parallel pivot axes 405 ₁ and 405 ₂ that may be inclinedfrom vertical. For example, cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ may be respectivelypivotally attached to opposing sidewalls of case 106 ₁. Exteriorsurfaces of cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ are exposed when case 106 ₁ is pivotedrelative to case 106 ₂, as shown in FIG. 3. Cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ may berespectively pivoted relative to case 106 ₁, as indicated by arrows 126₁ and 126 ₂.

Pivoting cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ in directions that cause the fronts ofcases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ to move away from a front of case 106 ₁ exposesinteriors of cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ and an interior of a compartment 130within case 106 ₁, as shown in FIG. 4. Compartment 130 is an opencompartment when cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ are pivoted away from the frontof case 106 ₁. Compartment 130 may include one or more shelves 132.

When 105 is open and station 100 is in its open configuration, case 106₁, and thus compartment 130, is stacked substantially vertically (e.g.,vertically) above case 106 ₂ and thus compartment 120.

The exterior surfaces of compartments 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ close a portion ofcompartment 130 when compartments 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ are located in frontof that portion of compartment 130, as shown in FIG. 3. Shelves 132 maybe covered by cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ when cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ arelocated in front of compartment 130. Cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ may beremovably coupled to a shelf 132 when compartments 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ covershelves 132, e.g., by a latch.

For some embodiments, a pocket assembly 125 may cover at least a portionof the front of compartment 130, and pocket assembly 125 may in turn becovered by cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ when cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ are locatedin front of compartment 130, i.e., when cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ arepositioned as shown in FIG. 3. Stated another way, when cases 124 ₁ and124 ₂ are located in front of compartment 130, pocket assembly 125 maybe interposed between cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ and the front edges ofshelves 132 of compartment 130.

Pocket assembly 125 may be pivotally coupled to interior surfaces of theopposing sidewalls of case 106 ₁. Pivoting compartments 124 ₁ and 124 ₂open to expose their interiors exposes pocket assembly 125. Pocketassembly 125 may be pivoted relative to case 106 ₁ in the direction ofarrows 415.

Pocket assembly may include a frame 127 and a sheet 128 of compliantmaterial, such as vinyl, attached to frame 127. It is the frame 127 thatmay be pivotally coupled to the interior surfaces of the opposingsidewalls of case 106 ₁ so that frame 127 can pivot about a pivot axis410, e.g., that may be substantially parallel with the pivot axis 115about which case 106 ₁ pivots. Sheet 128 may include a plurality ofpockets 129. A resilient material 131, such as elastic fabric, may belocated adjacent to the openings to pockets 129. Resilient material 131may act to keep the openings to the pockets closed.

Case 124 ₂ may include containers 136 that may be pivotally coupled tothe interior of opposing sidewalls of case 124 ₂ so that containers 136can pivot out of case 124 ₂, as shown in FIG. 5. Covers 138 may bepivotally coupled to the interior of opposing sidewalls of case 124 ₂.For some embodiments, when containers 136 are pivoted into case 124 ₂, acover 138 may be pivoted to overlap a portion of each container 136, asshown in FIG. 4. For other embodiments, case 124 ₁ may be configuredsubstantially the same (e.g., the same) as case 124 ₂, and thus mayinclude containers 136 that may be pivotally coupled to the interior ofopposing sidewalls of case 124 ₁ so that containers can pivot out ofcase 124 ₁, and may include a cover 138 that can be pivoted to overlap aportion of each container 136.

A sheet of material, such as a panel, e.g., a table 140, that may bemetal, e.g., aluminum, steel, etc., hard plastic, wood, or the like, maybe pivotally coupled to interior surfaces of opposing sidewalls 141 ofcase 106 ₂, and thus of compartment 120, e.g., using pins (not shown).Table 140 may pivot about a pivot axis 420 that may be substantiallyparallel to the pivot axis 115 about which case 106 ₁ pivots. Supports142 may connect table 140, e.g., at its sides, to the interior ofopposing sidewalls of case 106 ₁ within a portion 146 of compartment130, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. For some embodiments, portion 146 ofcompartment 130 is not covered by cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂.

For some embodiments, supports 142 may be cables, as shown in FIG. 4.For other embodiments, at least one of supports 142 may be a slotted,substantially rigid bar, e.g., of metal, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6,where FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of case 106 ₁ showing the interior ofportion 146 of compartment 130. The slotted bar may be pivotally coupledto table 140 and case 106 ₁, e.g., by a fasteners, such as screws (e.g.,screw 144 in FIG. 6) or bolts so that the fasteners can rotate withinthe slot of the slotted bar.

Supports 142 maintain table 140 in a first position so that the uppersurface of table 140 and a bottom surface 147 of case 102, e.g., thebase surface of portable station 100, respectively lie in substantiallyparallel planes and table 140 extends outward from the interior of chest105 when chest 105 is open. That is, table 140 extends outward fromcompartment 120 when portable station 100 is in the open configurationof FIG. 4. For example, table 140 may be maintained substantiallyhorizontal when the bottom surface 147 of case 102 is substantiallyhorizontal, as in FIG. 4, and when portable station 100 is in the openconfiguration. When table 140 is in its first position, table 140 mayfunction as a workbench, for example.

When chest 105 is closed, such as when portable station 100 is in theclosed, portable configuration of FIG. 1 or the configuration of FIG. 2,table 140 is enclosed within chest 105 in a second position. When table140 is in the second position, its upper surface is substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom surface 147 of case 102. That is, the uppersurface of table 140 is substantially vertical when enclosed withinchest 105, when the bottom surface 147 of case 102 is substantiallyhorizontal.

Pivoting case 106 ₁ relative to case 106 ₂ so that the front of case 106₁ separates from and moves away from the front of case 106 ₂, causestable 140 to pivot from its second position to its first position. Forexample, as the front of case 106 ₁ separates from and moves away fromthe front of case 106 ₂, case 106 ₁ exerts a force on supports 142,which in turn exert a force (e.g., a pulling force) on table 140 thatcauses table 140 to pivot from its second position to its firstposition. In other words, table 140 pivots from its second position toits first position substantially concurrently (e.g., concurrently) withcase 106 ₁ as chest 105 is being opened. For example, table 140 maypivot from its second position to its first position in response toopening chest 105.

Pivoting case 106 ₁ relative to case 106 ₂ so that the front of case 106₁ moves from its position in FIG. 4 toward front of case 106 ₂, causestable 140 to pivot from its first position to its second position. Forexample, pivoting case 106 ₁ in this way acts to substantially remove aforce exerted by supports 142 that acts to maintain table 140 in itsfirst position, allowing gravitational force to cause table 140 to pivotfrom its first position to its second position. In other words, table140 pivots from its first position to its second position in response toclosing chest 105.

Alternatively, for embodiments where one or both of supports 142 areslotted bars, as shown in FIG. 6 for one slotted bar, the slotted barmay pivot with case 106 ₁ and may exert a force on table 140 may act toassist or mitigate the effect of gravitational force on table 140. Forexample, mitigating the effect of gravitational force on table 140 mayact to prevent table 140 from essentially “free falling” when pivotingcase 106 ₁ causes table 140 to pivot from its first position to itssecond position. As such, table 140 may pivot substantially concurrently(e.g., concurrently) with case 106 ₁ as chest 105 is being closed.

For some embodiments, one or more electrical outlets, such as electricaloutlets 148, may be located on an interior surface of compartment 130(FIG. 6) on the exterior of enclosure 102, and/or on an interior surfaceof compartment 120. The electrical outlets may be coupled to an ACelectrical source, e.g., using an electrical cord 150 that may be hungon a hook 152 that may be attached to an outer surface of case 106 ₂,such as an outer surface of a sidewall of case 106 ₂, as shown in FIGS.2 and 3.

For some embodiments, a pair of plates 160 having openings 162therethrough (e.g., that may be called striker plates) may be attachedto case 106 ₂, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. For example, plates160 may be respectively attached to outer surfaces of the opposingsidewalls 141 of case 106 ₂ adjacent to the upper surface of case 106 ₂so that there is one plate attached to each of opposing sidewalls 141.

A pair of pins 170 is located within the portion 146 of compartment 130,as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Each pin 170 is receivable through theopening 162 in a corresponding plate 160. Each pin 170 may be biased ina normally extended position by a biasing device 172, such as a rubberband, spring, etc., interposed between and coupled to the respective pin170 and the interior of case 106 ₁, e.g., the interior surface of asidewall 143 of case 106 ₁. Each pin 170 may be biased to extend fromthe interior of case 106 ₁ through an opening 174 in a correspondingsidewall 143 of case 106 ₁ (FIG. 6) and protrudes from an outer surfaceof the corresponding sidewall 143 (FIGS. 1-3).

Pins 170 are respectively coupled to actuators 176, such as slides, of arelease mechanism 180 by linkages 178, such as cables, as shown in FIG.6. As such, pins 170 are selectively actuatable by actuators 176.Release mechanism 180 may be located within the portion 146 ofcompartment 130, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Actuators 176 may beslidably coupled to a housing 182 of release mechanism 180. The biasingforces exerted by biasing devices 172 on the respective pins 170 mayexert pulling forces on the respective actuators 176 to bias them in thepositions shown in FIG. 6.

As case 106 ₁ is pivoted into its position in FIG. 4, pins 170respectively engage plates 160. The engagement between a pin 170 and acorresponding plate 160 deflects the pin 170 inward from its normallyextended position against the biasing force of biasing device 172 andmaintains pin 170 in its deflected position until the pin 170 alignswith the opening 162 in the corresponding plate 160. When the pin 170aligns with the opening 162 in the corresponding plate 160, the biasingforce forces the pin 170 through the opening 162 into its normallyextended position, as shown in FIG. 6, thereby selectively latching case106 ₁ to case 106 ₂. Latching case 106 ₁ to case 106 ₂ acts to preventcase 106 ₁ from being pivoted toward case 106 ₂.

To release (e.g., unlatch) case 106 ₁ from case 106 ₂, a user may slide(e.g., squeeze) actuators 176 toward each other in the direction ofarrows 184, as shown in FIG. 6. Sliding an actuator 176 in the directionof an arrow 184 (e.g., in a direction away from the corresponding pin170) causes the respective actuator 176 to exert a force (e.g., apulling force) on the corresponding linkage 178, which in turn exerts aforce (e.g., a pulling force) on the corresponding pin 170 that actsagainst the biasing force and moves (e.g., pulls) the corresponding pin170 from the opening in a corresponding plate 160, thereby unlatchingcase 106 ₁ from case 106 ₂, allowing case 106 ₁ to be pivoted towardcase 106 ₂, as a shown in FIG. 3, for closing chest 105. After case 106₁ is unlatched from case 106 ₂ and the user releases actuators 176, therespective biasing forces return pins to their normally extendedposition, with the respective pins 170 extending through theircorresponding openings 174 and protruding from the respective sidewalls143 of case 106 ₁. The respective biasing forces may also return therespective actuators 176 to their normal positions.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating open compartment 120, e.g., with pegboard122 removed, of case 106 ₂ after the front of case 106 ₁ has beenpivoted away from the front of case 106 ₂ and after table 140 haspivoted to its first position and extends outward from compartment 120.FIG. 8 is a cross-section viewed along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, withcross-hatching and portions of the entire cross-section omitted forclarity.

A transfer system 700 may be located within compartment 120 of case 106₂. Transfer system 700 is configured to transfer the motion and/or forceimparted to an actuator 710, such as a button or a lever, to a pin 720extending from each of housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂ of two pairs of housings725 ₁ and 725 ₂, as shown in FIG. 8 for a housing 725 ₁, where one pairof housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂ is located adjacent to a back-wall 195 ofcompartment 120 and the other pair of housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂ islocated adjacent to a front-wall 196 of enclosure 102 that has been cutaway in FIG. 7 to show that pair of housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂. For someembodiments, a portion of actuator 710 may be integrated within handle110, as shown in FIG. 7.

A plurality of openings 820 (e.g., square or round holes) may be formedin each of opposing sidewalls 190 of open enclosure 102, e.g.,terminating within the respective sidewall 190, as shown in FIGS. 7 and8. Two substantially vertical sets of openings 820 may be formed in eachsidewall 190. Each set of openings 820 may include a series of openings820.

Two sets of openings 820 may be respectively located in opposingsidewalls 190 adjacent a back-wall of enclosure 102 respectivelyopposite the housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂ of the pair of housings 725 ₁ and725 ₂ located adjacent to back-wall 195 of compartment 120 for receivinga pin 720 from the respective housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂, as shown in FIG.8 for the housing 725 ₁ of that pair of housings. Two sets of openings820 may be respectively located in opposing sidewalls 190 adjacent tothe front-wall 196 of open enclosure 102 respectively opposite thehousings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂ of the pair of housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂ locatedadjacent to front-wall 196, as shown in FIG. 7, for receiving a pin 720from the respective housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂.

Each pin 720 may be biased to normally extend from its respectivehousing 725, by a biasing device (e.g., located in a respective housing725), such as a spring 730, e.g., a coil spring, into one of openings820 at a time of a respective set of openings 820. For example, when apin 720 is biased in its normally extended position and is aligned withone of openings 820, that pin 720 extends from its respective housing725, passes through an opening in a respective sidewall 141 of case 106₂, and thus of compartment 120, and into the one of openings 820.

Pins 720 respectively extending from the housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂located adjacent to front-wall 196 of open enclosure 102 may extend intorespective ones of the openings 820 of the sets of openings 820 shownadjacent to front-wall 196 in FIG. 7. Pins 720 respectively extendingfrom the housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂ located adjacent to the back-wall 195of compartment 120 may extend into respective ones of the openings 820of the sets of openings 820 adjacent to the back-wall of enclosure 102.By extending into respective openings 820, pins 720 selectively fastencase 106 ₂ to enclosure 102.

Transfer system 700 may include cables 735 ₁ (FIGS. 8 and 9) and cables735 ₂ (FIG. 9) that are respectively contained within cable housings 736₁ and 736 ₂. Cables 735 ₁ may be respectively coupled to pins 720extending from housings 725 ₁, as shown in FIG. 8. In a similar manner,cables 735 ₂ may be respectively coupled to pins 720 extending fromhousings 725 ₂.

For some embodiments, a resilient device 740, such as a spring (e.g., acoil spring) a rubber band, elastic fabric, or the like, may beinterposed between and connected to a pin 720 and a cable 735, such as acable 735 ₁ in FIG. 8. Alternatively, for other embodiments, resilientdevice 740 may be omitted, and a cable 735 may be coupled directly to apin 720. Note that there may be one resilient device 740 located in eachof the housings 725 and coupled to the pin 720 within the respectivehousing 725, meaning that there may be a plurality of resilient devices740, where the resilient devices of the plurality of resilient devices740 are coupled to pins 720 on a one-to-one basis.

A cable 755, contained within a cable housing 756, may be coupled toactuator 710. Cable 755 is coupled to cables 757 (FIG. 9 for one of thecables 757) within the cable housings 758 at a cable splitter 759.

A cable 757 is coupled to the cables 735 ₁ and 735 ₂ that arerespectively coupled to the pins 720 extending from the pair of housings725 ₁ and 725 ₂ located adjacent to the back-wall 195 of compartment 120and thus couples actuator 710 to those cables 735 ₁ and 735 ₂. Forexample, that cable 757 may be coupled to the respective cables 735 ₁and 735 ₂ within an inverter 760, such as a tension inverter, oftransfer system 700, as shown in FIG. 9.

Another cable 757 is coupled to the cables 735 ₁ and 735 ₂ that arerespectively coupled to the pins 720 extending from the pair of housings725 ₁ and 725 ₂ located adjacent to the front-wall 196 of open enclosure102 and thus couples actuator 710 to the those cables 735 ₁ and 735 ₂.For example, that cable 757 may be coupled to the respective cables 735₁ and 735 ₂ within another tension inverter 760 of transfer system 700,as shown in FIG. 9.

A cable 757 may be coupled directly to a cable 735 ₁ to form a singlecable 761. Alternatively, single cable 761 may be a single continuouscable having a cable 735 ₁ and a cable 757 as portions thereof, as shownin FIG. 9. Cable 735 ₂ may be coupled to cable 761 by a strip 765 ofmaterial, such as a fabric web, leather, etc. Strip 765 may wrap arounda pulley 770 of inverter 760 located between cable 761 and cable 735 ₂.

When a user imparts motion and/or force to actuator 710 in the directionof arrow 775, as shown in FIG. 7, actuator 710 imparts a motion and/orforce to cable 755, causing cable 755 to move (e.g., actuator 710 pullson cable 755) in the direction of arrow 776, placing cable 755 intension. The cable 755 imparts a motion and/or force to each of cables757 substantially concurrently (e.g. concurrently) at cable splitter759. The cables 757 respectively impart a motion and/or force to cables735 ₁, causing those cables 735 ₁ to move in the direction of arrow 778,as shown in FIG. 8.

The cables 735 ₁ respectively impart motion and/or force to pins 720respectively extending from housings 725 ₁ substantially concurrently(e.g., concurrently), causing them to move substantially concurrently(e.g., concurrently), in the direction of arrow 778, against the biasingforce exerted by the respective biasing devices 730, so that the tips ofthe respective pins 720 are retracted to at least being substantiallyflush with the outer surface of the corresponding sidewall 141 of case106 ₂, as indicated by dashed line 830 in FIG. 8, thereby releasing therespective pins 720 from open enclosure 102.

For embodiments where a resilient device 740 is coupled between a cable735 ₁ and a corresponding pin 720, when cable 735 ₁ moves in thedirection of arrow 778, the motion of cable 735 ₁ causes cable 735 ₁ toexert a force on the resilient device 740 that stretches resilientdevice 740, causing the resilient device 740 to exert a force on thecorresponding pin 720. The force exerted by resilient device 740 acts toretract the corresponding pin 720. If a pin 720 happens to stick, forexample, resilient device 740 can maintain the force on the stuck pin720, while a user keeps actuator 710 in its actuated position, while theuser moves chest 105 to reduce friction on the stuck pin 720, and whenthe friction is sufficiently reduced, the force exerted by resilientdevice 740 acts to retract the pin 720.

Cable 755 imparts motion and/or force to the respective strips 765 (onein each inverter 760) and to respective cables 735 ₁ substantiallyconcurrently (e.g., concurrently), causing the respective strips 765 tomove in the direction of arrow 790, as shown in FIG. 9, around therespective pulleys 770. Note that the direction of the motion of theportion of a strip 765 on one side (e.g., the input side) of pulley 770,as indicated by arrow 790, is different than (e.g., substantiallyopposite to) the direction of the motion of the portion of that strip765 on the other side (e.g., the output side) of pulley 770, asindicated by arrow 791. The motion (e.g., the reversed motion) of theportions of the respective strips 765 on the output side of therespective pulleys 770 is in turn imparted to the respective cables 735₂ substantially concurrently (e.g., concurrently), causing therespective cables 735 ₂ to move in the direction of arrow 791, as shownin FIG. 9 for one of the respective cables 735 ₂. This causes therespective pins 720, extending from the respective housings 725 ₂, tomove against the biasing force exerted by the respective biasing devices730, so that the tips of the respective pins 720 are retracted to atleast being substantially flush with the outer surface of thecorresponding sidewall 141 of case 106 ₂, thereby releasing therespective pins 720 from open enclosure 102. That is, the pins 720respectively extending from housings 725 ₁ and 725 ₂ may selectivelyretract substantially concurrently (e.g., concurrently) in response tothe motion imparted to actuator 710, thereby releasing (e.g.,unfastening) chest 105, whether opened or closed, from enclosure 102.

Note that the presence of pulley 770 in an inverter 760 acts to change(e.g., substantially reverse) the direction of motion of cable 757 inputto that tension inverter 760 for an output to a housing 725 ₂.Therefore, an inverter 760 receives an input motion from actuator 710via a cable 757 in the direction of arrow 790, outputs a motion in thedirection of arrow 790 to a housing 725 ₁ via a cable 735 ₁, changes(e.g. reverses) the input motion from actuator 710 to a motion in thedirection of arrow 791, and outputs a motion in the direction of arrow791 to a housing 725 ₂ via a cable 735 ₂. Note that the motion receivedat a housing 725 ₂ may be in a direction that is substantially thereverse of the motion received at a housing 725 ₁ because housings 725 ₁and 725 ₂ face in substantially opposite directions, and theirrespective pins 720 extend in substantially opposite directions intoopposing sidewalls 190 of open enclosure 102.

Stated another way, a tension inverter 760 receives an input force fromactuator 710 via a cable 757 in the direction of arrow 790, outputs thereceived input force without changing the direction of the receivedinput force to a pin 720 extending from a housing 725 ₁ via a cable 735₁ and outputs the received input force with a changed direction, e.g.,the direction of arrow 791, to a pin 720 extending from a housing 725 ₂via a cable 735 ₂.

For embodiments where a resilient device 740 is coupled between a cable735 ₂ and a corresponding pin 720, when cable 735 ₂ moves in thedirection of arrow 791, the motion of cable 735 ₂ causes cable 735 ₂ toexert a force on the resilient device 740 that stretches resilientdevice 740, causing the resilient device 740 to exert a force on thecorresponding pin 720 that retracts the corresponding pin 720.

Note that in the event that a pin 720 sticks, the motion of actuator 710is not necessarily imparted to all of the pins 720 substantiallyconcurrently. Instead, a force that is imparted to the actuator 710 maybe imparted to all of the pins 720 substantially concurrently. Whereresilient devices 740 are respectively coupled between cables 735 andcorresponding pins 720, the motion imparted to actuator 710 issubstantially concurrently (e.g., concurrently) imparted to resilientdevices 740, causing the resilient devices 740 to be stretchedsubstantially concurrently (e.g., concurrently) so that the resilientdevices 740 substantially concurrently (e.g., concurrently) exert forceson the respective pins 720.

When station 100 is in its closed, portable configuration of FIG. 1,with closed chest 105 positioned within enclosure 102, pins 720 mayrespectively extend into the lowermost openings 820, thereby selectivelyfastening closed chest 105 to enclosure 102 and preventing closed chest105 from being pulled out of open enclosure 102. This enables station100 to be lifted and transported by handle 110. When station 100 is inits open configuration of FIG. 4, with chest 105 being open, pins 720may respectively extend into the uppermost openings 820 or any of theopenings 820 between the lowermost and uppermost openings 180, forexample, thereby selectively fastening open cases 106 ₁ and 106 ₂ toenclosure 102, that is acting as a base for station 100 in the openconfiguration of station 100.

A distance H (e.g., vertical distance) between the bottom surface 850chest 105 and the bottom interior surface 854 of open enclosure 102 maybe changed by using actuator 710 to selectively retract pins 720 fromtheir respective openings 820 and then moving chest 105, while keepingthe pins 720 retracted by maintaining a force on actuator 710 (e.g.,keeping actuator 710 depressed), until pins 720 align with another setof openings 820, corresponding to a different distance H, and releasingactuator 710 so that the biasing forces of the respective biasingdevices 730 cause the respective pins 720 to move into that set ofopenings 820. In this way, the distance H, and thus the elevation ofchest 105 within open enclosure 102, is selectively adjustable. Notethat the distance H establishes the height of station 100, e.g., thedistance of table 140 above the bottom surface 147 of enclosure 102,when station 100 is in the open configuration of FIG. 4.

To move chest 105 from the position, e.g., the elevation withinenclosure 102, it is at when station is in the closed, portableconfiguration of FIG. 1 to the open configuration of FIG. 4, chest 105,while closed, is first moved to the position, e.g., elevation withinenclosure 102, shown FIG. 2, from the position in FIG. 1. In an example,to move closed chest 105 from the position of FIG. 1 to the position inFIG. 2, actuator 710 is used to selectively retract pins 720 from thelowermost set openings 820; chest 105 is then moved, while keeping thepins 720 retracted by maintaining a force on actuator 710 (e.g., keepingactuator 710 depressed), until pins 720 align with any set of openings820 above the lowermost set, depending on the desired height of theopened station 100; and actuator 710 is released so that the biasingforces of the respective biasing devices 730 cause the respective pins720 to move into that set of openings 820. Once chest 105 is located asshown in FIG. 2, chest 105 can be subsequently opened (e.g., unfolded),as shown in FIGS. 2-4.

Similarly, to position station 100 in the closed, portable configurationin FIG. 1 from the open configuration of FIG. 4, chest 105 is closed, asshown in FIGS. 4-2. Then, in an example, with chest 105 positioned asshown in FIG. 2, actuator 710 is used to selectively retract pins 720from the present set of openings 820; chest 105 is then moved, whilekeeping the pins 720 retracted by maintaining a force on actuator 710(e.g., keeping actuator 710 depressed), until pins 720 align with thelowermost set openings 820; and actuator 710 is released so that thebiasing forces of the respective biasing devices 730 cause therespective pins 720 to move into the lowermost set of openings 820.

Note that chest 105 is selectively fastened to open enclosure 102 bypins 720, in that pins 720 can be selectively retracted to selectivelyunfasten chest 105 from open enclosure 102.

For other embodiments, pins 720 may be coupled to electrically activatedactuators, such as solenoids, that retract pins 720 in response toselectively receiving electrical signals. For such embodiments, actuator710 may close a normally open switch to selectively electrically couplea power source to each of the solenoids for sending the electricalsignals to each of the solenoids.

FIG. 10 illustrates a light boom 1010. For some embodiments, light boom1010 may be pivotally coupled to a frame by hinges 1020 so that lightboom 1010 may pivot about a pivot axis 1012 that may be substantiallyparallel to the pivot axis 115 about which case 106 ₁ pivots. For someembodiments, the frame may be the frame 127 of the pocket assembly 125(FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. 10 without the sheet 128 of compliantmaterial and the pockets 129 of pocket assembly 125. Light boom 1010 maybe removably coupled to frame 127 in a non-extended position by magnets1025 attached to frame 127. For example, light boom 1010 may be locatedin its non-extended position when frame 127 is pivoted into compartment130, such as when pocket assembly 125 is covered by cases 124 ₁ and 124₂, when cases 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ are located in front of compartment 130(FIG. 3).

Light boom 1010 may be pivoted from contact with magnets 1025 to theextended position shown in FIG. 10 and into to contact with magnets 1030that removably couple light boom 1010, in its extended position, to bars1035 that are pivotally coupled to frame 127 and that may respectivelypivot about pivot axes that may be substantially parallel to the pivotaxis 1012 about which light boom 1010 pivots. Note that bars 1035pivotally couple their respective magnets to frame 127.

Flexible supports 1040, such as strips of fabric, e.g., nylon web,leather, etc., respectively couple bars 1035, e.g., at their distalends, to the frame 127. Flexible supports 1040 allow bars 1035 to pivotagainst frame 127 when frame 127 is pivoted into compartment 130.

For some embodiments, light boom 1010 may be fabricated from a ferrousmagnetic material, such as steel, for removably coupling to magnets 1025and 1030. Alternatively, for other embodiments, light boom 1010 may befabricated from a non-magnetic material, such as aluminum, in which casepatches 1045 of ferrous magnetic material, such as steel, may beattached to light boom 1010 for respectively contacting magnets 1030,and patches 1050 of ferrous magnetic material, such as steel, may beattached to light boom 1010 for respectively contacting magnets 1025.

Light boom 1010 includes one or more light sources 1060, such as LEDs,coupled to light boom 1010 distally from frame 127. Light sources 1060may be electrically coupled to a DC power source, e.g., located on boardstation 100 (not shown). Light sources 1060 may be electrically coupledto the DC power source through a switch that can selectively turn lightsources 1060 on and off. For some embodiments, the switch may be apulse-code-modulated dimmer that can selectively adjust the intensity(e.g., brightness) of light sources 1060.

FIG. 10 further illustrates that frame 127, and thus pocket assembly 125(FIG. 4), may be pivotally coupled to the interior surfaces of theopposing sidewalls of case 106 ₁ by pins 1070.

FIG. 11 is a perspective right side view of the portable station 100 inFIG. 2 with a portion of sidewall 190 of open enclosure 102 removed. Astabilizer assembly 1110 may be located in a space 852 (FIGS. 8 and 12)within enclosure 102 between the bottom interior surface 854 ofenclosure 102 and the bottom surface 850 of chest 105, as shown in FIG.11. For some embodiments, there may be a pair of stabilizer assemblies1110, where the stabilizer assemblies 1110 are located adjacent to theopposing sidewalls 190 of enclosure 102.

Each stabilizer assembly 1110 may include a drive 1120 coupled to astabilizer 1125 ₁ that may be selectively extendable from the front 1135(FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 11) of enclosure 102 and a stabilizer 1125 ₂ thatmay be selectively extendable from the back 1137 (FIG. 11) of enclosure102. Note that the two stabilizers 1125 ₁ shown in FIGS. 2-4 may berespectively of the stabilizer assemblies 1110 of the pair of stabilizerassemblies 1110.

The drive 1120 of each stabilizer assembly may be coupled to chest 105by a linkage 1130, e.g., a connecting rod, and is thus responsive to themovement of chest 105. Moving chest 105 from the position (FIG. 1),e.g., the elevation within enclosure 102, it is at when station is inthe closed, portable configuration to the position, e.g., elevationwithin enclosure 102, shown FIG. 2 causes the respective drives 1120 toextend the stabilizers 1125 ₁ from the front 1135 and stabilizers 1125 ₂from the back 1137 of enclosure 102. For some embodiments, stabilizers1125 ₁ and stabilizers 1125 ₂ may angle downward from vertical to engagethe surface on which portable station 100 is positioned.

Moving chest 105 from the position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 1causes the respective drives 1120 to retract the stabilizers 1125 ₁ intoenclosure 102 through the front 1135 and stabilizers 1125 ₂ intoenclosure 102 through the back 1137 of enclosure 102. Note that forother embodiments, a single stabilizer assembly 1110 may be used, and asingle drive 1120 may be configured to drive both of stabilizers 1125 ₁and both of stabilizers 1125 ₂.

As such, the stabilizers 1125 are responsive to moving chest 105relative to enclosure 102. Stated in a different way, stabilizers 1125are configured to extend from enclosure 102 in response to moving chest105 from the elevation within enclosure 102 it is at when station is inthe closed, portable configuration in FIG. 1 to the elevation withinenclosure 102 it is at when station is in open configuration in FIG. 4,and stabilizers 1125 are configured to retract into enclosure 102 inresponse to moving chest 105 from the elevation within enclosure 102 itis at when station is in the open configuration to the elevation withinenclosure 102 it is at when station is in closed, portableconfiguration.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the details of a stabilizer assembly 1110,for an embodiment. FIGS. 12 and 13 respectively illustrate stabilizerassembly 1110 with the stabilizers 1125 ₁ and stabilizers 1125 ₂retracted and with the stabilizers 1125 ₁ and stabilizers 1125 ₂extended. Stabilizer assembly 1110 may include an output drive assembly1140 and an input drive assembly 1142 coupled to output drive assembly1140, where the input drive assembly 1142 is configured to drive outputdrive assembly 1140 in response to the movement of chest 105 within openenclosure 102 and where output drive assembly 1140 is configured toextend or retract stabilizers 1125 in response to being driven by inputdrive assembly 1142.

Output drive assembly 1140 may include a belt (or a chain) 1150 ₁wrapped around a pulley (or a sprocket) 1152 ₁ and a first pulley 1154.Belt 1150 ₁ is coupled to a stabilizer 1125 ₁ at a connection point 1164₁ on belt 1150 ₁, e.g., by a pin, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Outputdrive assembly 1140 may include a belt (or a chain) 1150 ₂ wrappedaround a pulley (or a sprocket) 1152 ₂ and a second pulley 1154 (notshown) that is coupled to the first pulley 1154 by a shaft 1156 and thatis obscured from view by the first pulley 1154. Belt 1150 ₂ is coupledto a stabilizer 1125 ₂ at a connection point 1164 ₂ on belt 1150 ₂,e.g., by a pin, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Input drive assembly 1142 may include a belt (or a chain) 1160 wrappedaround a pulley (or a sprocket) 1162 and a pulley (or a sprocket) (notshown) that is coupled to first and second pulleys 1154 by shaft 1156and that is obscured from view by the first pulley 1154. Belt 1160 maybe coupled to linkage 1130 at a connection point 1165 on belt 1160,e.g., by a pin, as shown in FIGS. 11-13. For embodiments where there isa single stabilizer assembly 1110 and a single drive 1120, the drive1120 may include two output assemblies 1140, one coupled to thestabilizers 1125 ₁ and 1125 ₂ adjacent to one of the sidewalls 190 ofenclosure 102 and the other coupled to the stabilizers 1125 ₁ and 1125 ₂adjacent to other of the sidewalls 190, and where the pulleys 1154 ofthe respective output assemblies 1140 are coupled to the shaft 1156 sothat both output assemblies 1140 are coupled to input drive assembly1142.

Moving chest 105, e.g., lifting chest 105, from the position of FIG. 1to the position of FIG. 2 causes linkage 1130 to move belt 1160 in thedirection of arrow 1170, as shown in FIG. 12, e.g., connection point1165 is moved upward in the direction of arrow 1170 from the location inFIG. 12 to the location in FIG. 13. Moving belt in the direction ofarrow 1170 causes shaft 1156, and thus the first and second pulleys1154, to rotate in the direction of arrow 1172. The motion of firstpulley 1154 in turn causes belt 1150 ₁ to move attachment point 1164 ₁and stabilizer 1125 ₁ in the direction of arrow 1174 ₁ so thatstabilizer 1125 ₁ extends from the front 1135 of enclosure 102. Themotion of second pulley 1154 in turn causes belt 1150 ₂ to moveattachment point 1164 ₂ and stabilizer 1125 ₂ in the direction of arrow1174 ₂ so that stabilizer 1125 ₂ extends from the back 1137 of enclosure102.

For embodiments where there is a single stabilizer assembly 1110 and asingle drive 1120 coupled to two output assemblies 1140, drive 1120causes each of the two output assemblies 1140 to extend the respectivestabilizers 1125 ₁ and 1125 ₂ respectively from the front 1135 and theback 1137 of enclosure 102 in response to lifting case 105 from theposition of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. 2 in the manner justdescribed. For embodiments where there are two stabilizer assemblies1110, lifting case 105 from the position of FIG. 1 to the position ofFIG. 2 causes the respective stabilizer assemblies 1110 extend theirrespective stabilizers 1125 ₁ and 1125 ₂ respectively from the front1135 and the back 1137 in the manner just described.

Moving chest 105, e.g., lowering chest 105, from the position of FIG. 2to the position of FIG. 1 causes linkage 1130 to move belt 1160 in thedirection of arrow 1180, as shown in FIG. 13, e.g., connection point1165 is moved downward in the direction of arrow 1180 from the locationin FIG. 13 to the location in FIG. 12. Moving belt in the direction ofarrow 1180 causes shaft 1156, and thus the first and second pulleys1154, to rotate in the direction of arrow 1182. The motion of firstpulley 1154 in turn causes belt 1150 ₁ to move attachment point 1164 ₁and stabilizer 1125 ₁ in the direction of arrow 1184 ₁ so thatstabilizer 1125 ₁ retracts into enclosure 102. The motion of secondpulley 1154 in turn causes belt 1150 ₂ to move attachment point 1164 ₂and stabilizer 1125 ₂ in the direction of arrow 1184 ₂ so thatstabilizer 1125 ₂ retracts into enclosure 102.

For embodiments, where there is a single stabilizer assembly 1110 and asingle drive 1120 coupled to two output assemblies 1140, drive 1120causes each of the two output assemblies 1140 to retract the respectivestabilizers 1125 ₁ and 1125 ₂ in response to lowering case 105 from theposition of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 1 in the manner justdescribed. For embodiments where there are two stabilizer assemblies1110, lowering case 105 from the position of FIG. 2 to the position ofFIG. 1 causes the respective stabilizer assemblies 1110 retract theirrespective stabilizers 1125 ₁ and 1125 ₂ in the manner just described.

In some embodiments, an example method of operating a portable station,such as portable station 100, includes retracting a plurality of pins,such as pins 720, from an open enclosure, such as open enclosure 102,into a closed chest, such as chest 105, in response to receiving a forceat the plurality of pins from an actuator, such as actuator 710, torelease the chest from the open enclosure so that the chest can be movedfrom a first elevation within the open enclosure to a second elevationwithin the open enclosure. The method may also include extending theplurality of pins from the chest into open enclosure when the chest isat the second elevation.

The method may further include pivoting a table, such as table 140, froma first position when the chest is closed to a second position when thechest is open in response to opening the chest when the chest is at thesecond elevation. The method may further include changing a direction ofthe force from the actuator at an inverter, such as inverter 760, beforereceiving the force at some of the plurality of pins.

The chest may include a first case, such as case 106 ₁, and a secondcase, such as case 106 ₂, and the method may further include latchingthe first case to the second case upon receiving the first case atop thesecond case (FIGS. 3 and 4) in response to the first case pivotingrelative to the second case as the chest is being opened at the secondelevation.

The plurality of pins may be a plurality of first pins and latching thefirst case to the second case may include deflecting a second pin, suchas a pin 170, into the first case using a plate, such as a plate 160,connected to the second case in response to the first case pivotingrelative to the second case, and directing the second pin through anopening, such as an opening 162, in the plate when the pin aligns withthe opening.

When the case is open at the second elevation and the first case islatched to the second case, the method may further include retractingthe second pin into the first case from the opening in the plateconnected to the second case in response to receiving a force at thesecond pin from a second actuator, such as an actuator 176, whereretracting the second pin from the opening in the plate unlatches thefirst case from the second case, allowing the first case to pivotrelative to the second case to close the chest.

Receiving the force at the plurality of pins, such as pins 720, from theactuator, such as actuator 710, may include stretching each of aplurality of resilient devices, such as resilient devices 740, inresponse to receiving the force at each resilient device from theactuator, and receiving the force at each of the plurality of pins fromrespective ones of the plurality of stretched resilient devices.

The method may further include moving the chest from the first elevationwithin the open enclosure to the second elevation within the openenclosure after retracting a plurality of pins from the open enclosureinto the closed chest and extending a plurality of stabilizers, such asstabilizers 1125, from the open enclosure or retracting the plurality ofstabilizers into the open enclosure in response to moving the chest fromthe first elevation within the open enclosure to the second elevationwithin the open enclosure.

CONCLUSION

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it is manifestly intended that these embodiments not be taken ina limiting sense.

1. A portable station, comprising: an open enclosure; and a chestcomprising first and second cases pivotally coupled to each other;wherein when the portable station is in a first configuration, the chestis closed and is selectively fastened at a first location within theenclosure; wherein when the portable station is in a secondconfiguration, the chest is open and selectively fastened at a secondlocation within the enclosure; and wherein when the chest is open, thefirst and second cases have been pivoted apart.
 2. The portable stationof claim 1, further comprising a third case pivotally coupled to thefirst case.
 3. The portable station of claim 2, further comprising acontainer pivotally coupled to the third case so that the container canpivot into and out of the third case.
 4. The portable station of claim3, further comprising a cover pivotally coupled to the third case sothat the cover can pivot over at least a portion of the container afterthe container is pivoted into the third case.
 5. The portable station ofclaim 1, further comprising a table pivotally coupled to the chest thatcan pivot in response to opening and closing the chest and that extendsoutward from an interior of the chest when the chest is open.
 6. Theportable station of claim 5, wherein the table is configured to pivotrelative to the second case substantially concurrently with the firstcase as the chest is opened.
 7. The portable station of claim 1, furthercomprising a pocket assembly pivotally coupled to the first case.
 8. Theportable station of claim 1, further comprising a light boom pivotallycoupled to a frame that is pivotally coupled to the first case.
 9. Theportable station of claim 8, further comprising a magnet coupled to abar pivotally coupled to the frame, the magnet for removably couplingthe light boom in an extended position when the portable station is inthe second configuration.
 10. The portable station of claim 8, furthercomprising a dimmer electrically coupled to light sources that arecoupled to the light boom.
 11. The portable station of claim 1, furthercomprising a shelf located within the first case.
 12. The portablestation of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of selectivelyactuatable pins extending from the chest for selectively fastening thechest at the first or the second location.
 13. The portable station ofclaim 12, further comprising: an actuator; and a transfer system coupledto the actuator and the plurality of selectively actuatable pins;wherein the transfer system is configured to receive a force from theactuator and to output the received force with a changed direction tosome of the plurality of selectively actuatable pins.
 14. The portablestation of claim 12, further comprising: an actuator; and a resilientdevice coupled between each of the plurality of selectively actuatablepins and the actuator.
 15. The portable station of claim 1, furthercomprising a pair of selectively actuatable pins extending from an outersurface of the first case for latching the first case to the second casewhen the chest is open.
 16. The portable station of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of stabilizers configured to extend from theenclosure in response to moving the chest from the first location withinthe enclosure to the second location within the enclosure.
 17. Aportable station, comprising: an open enclosure; a closed chestcomprising first and second cases pivotally coupled to each other; and atable pivotally coupled to the first case and contained within theclosed chest; wherein closed chest is selectively located at a firstelevation within the open enclosure; wherein the closed chest isselectively movable to a second elevation within the open enclosure fromthe first elevation; wherein the table is configured to pivotsubstantially concurrently with the second case in response to thesecond case being pivoted relative to the first case to open the chestwhen the chest is at the second elevation within the open enclosure; andwherein the table extends from an interior of the first case when thechest is opened.
 18. The portable station of claim 17, furthercomprising a bar pivotally coupled to the table and the second case andextending from the second case to the table.
 19. A portable station,comprising: an open enclosure; a chest comprising first and second casespivotally coupled to each other, the chest selectively movable betweenfirst and second elevations within the open enclosure; and a stabilizerassembly coupled to chest and comprising a plurality of stabilizers;wherein the stabilizer assembly is configured to cause the plurality ofstabilizers to extend from the open enclosure in response to moving theclosed chest from the first elevation to the second elevation; andwherein the stabilizer is configured to cause the plurality ofstabilizers to retract into the open enclosure in response to moving theclosed chest from the second elevation to the first elevation.
 20. Theportable station of claim 19, wherein at least one of the plurality ofstabilizers extends from a front of the open enclosure and at least oneof the plurality of stabilizers extends from a back of the openenclosure in response to moving the chest from the first elevation tothe second elevation.
 21. A method of operating a portable station,comprising: retracting a plurality of pins from an open enclosure into aclosed chest, in response to receiving a force at the plurality of pinsfrom an actuator, to release the chest from the open enclosure so thatthe chest can be moved from a first elevation within the open enclosureto a second elevation within the open enclosure; and extending theplurality of pins from the chest into open enclosure when the chest isat the second elevation.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprisingpivoting a table from a first position when the chest is closed to asecond position when the chest is open in response to opening the chestwhen the chest is at the second elevation.
 23. The method of claim 21,further comprising changing a direction of the force from the actuatorat an inverter before receiving the force at some of the plurality ofpins.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the chest comprises first andsecond cases, and further comprising latching the first case to thesecond case upon receiving the first case atop the second case inresponse to the first case pivoting relative to the second case as thechest is being opened at the second elevation.
 25. The method of claim24, wherein the plurality of pins is a plurality of first pins andwherein latching the first case to the second case comprises: deflectinga second pin into the first case using a plate connected to the secondcase in response to the first case pivoting relative to the second case;and directing the second pin through an opening in the plate when thepin aligns with the opening.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein theactuator is a first actuator and the plurality of pins is a plurality offirst pins, and when the case is open at the second elevation and thefirst case is latched to the second case, further comprising retractinga second pin into the first case from an opening in a plate connected tothe second case in response to receiving a force at the second pin froma second actuator, wherein retracting the second pin from the opening inthe plate unlatches the first case from the second case, allowing thefirst case to pivot relative to the second case to close the chest. 27.The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the force at the plurality ofpins from the actuator comprises: stretching each of a plurality ofresilient devices in response to receiving the force at each resilientdevice from the actuator; and receiving the force at each of theplurality of pins from respective ones of the plurality of stretchedresilient devices.
 28. The method of claim 21, further comprising:moving the chest from the first elevation within the open enclosure tothe second elevation within the open enclosure after retracting aplurality of pins from the open enclosure into the closed chest; andextending a plurality of stabilizers from the open enclosure orretracting the plurality of stabilizers into the open enclosure inresponse to moving the chest from the first elevation within the openenclosure to the second elevation within the open enclosure.